Harold Davis (athlete)
Encyclopedia
Harold Davis (born January 5, 1921 in Salinas, California
, died August 12, 2007) was an American
Track and Field athlete. He was a former World Record holder in the 100 metres
. In 1974, he was elected to the USA Track & Field National Track and Field Hall of Fame
.
Nicknamed the "California Comet", he tied Jesse Owens
world record running into a headwind at the Compton Relays on June 6, 1941 and was regarded as the fastest sprinter in the world for a four year period. Unfortunately for Davis, this was during World War II
and the Olympics were cancelled, depriving him of an opportunity for international recognition. He was originally coached in Junior College by Hall of Fame coach Lloyd (Bud) Winter
, then later at the University of California
by Hall of Fame coach Brutus Hamilton
.
Salinas, California
Salinas is the county seat and the largest municipality of Monterey County, California. Salinas is located east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River, at an elevation of about 52 feet above sea level. The population was 150,441 at the 2010 census...
, died August 12, 2007) was an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Track and Field athlete. He was a former World Record holder in the 100 metres
100 metres
The 100 metres, or 100-metre dash, is a sprint race in track and field competitions. The shortest common outdoor running distance, it is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport of athletics. It has been contested at the Summer Olympics since 1896...
. In 1974, he was elected to the USA Track & Field National Track and Field Hall of Fame
National Track and Field Hall of Fame
The National Track and Field Hall of Fame located within the Armory Foundation at 216 Fort Washington Avenue, between 168th and 169th Streets, in Washington Heights, in the New York City borough of Manhattan, is a museum operated by The Armory Foundation in conjunction with USA Track & Field...
.
Nicknamed the "California Comet", he tied Jesse Owens
Jesse Owens
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was an American track and field athlete who specialized in the sprints and the long jump. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he achieved international fame by winning four gold medals: one each in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, the...
world record running into a headwind at the Compton Relays on June 6, 1941 and was regarded as the fastest sprinter in the world for a four year period. Unfortunately for Davis, this was during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and the Olympics were cancelled, depriving him of an opportunity for international recognition. He was originally coached in Junior College by Hall of Fame coach Lloyd (Bud) Winter
Lloyd (Bud) Winter
Lloyd C. Winter, better known as "Bud" was the USATF Hall of Fame Track Coach. He was regarded as one of the greatest sprint coaches in the world. Over a 39-year coaching career at the then San Jose State College, he produced 102 All-Americans, 27 who went on to become Olympians...
, then later at the University of California
University of California
The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University...
by Hall of Fame coach Brutus Hamilton
Brutus Hamilton
Brutus Kerr Hamilton, a scholar, philosopher, poet, and gentleman, is most renowned as one of the leading coaches in American and international track and field....
.